I was saddened to read that Louisiana Baptists have lost one
of their greatest servants and friends with the passing of Earl Mercer. Earl
was a devoted Christian and family man who sought to honor God in all he did.
He was noted beyond Louisiana for the excellent work he accomplished in service
to Louisiana Baptists and children. He was a friend, an encourager and mentor
to me as I have followed my calling.
I was saddened to read that Louisiana Baptists have lost one
of their greatest servants and friends with the passing of Earl Mercer. Earl
was a devoted Christian and family man who sought to honor God in all he did.
He was noted beyond Louisiana for the excellent work he accomplished in service
to Louisiana Baptists and children. He was a friend, an encourager and mentor
to me as I have followed my calling.
Earl was a pioneer Christian communicator. Before the bookstores
were filled with “how to be a great communicator” books, Earl was
writing living volumes of his own as he perfected his craft as the public relations
director for the Louisiana Baptist Childrens Home in Monroe.
I first met Earl at an association meeting. He presented the
Childrens Home report. He guided the attentive audience through a brief
history of the home to real-life stories of children Louisiana Baptists had
touched. He told the group about todays “societal orphans” – children
who, through no fault of their own, were emotionally orphaned, left alone and
in need of care. I watched as he stepped back to his pew. There was silence.
Suddenly, someone stood and made a motion to take an offering, and they did.
Earl worked tirelessly, speaking in thousands of churches reminding Louisiana
Baptists of their role in helping the weak and defenseless. Thank you, Earl.
I last received a note from Earl this past Christmas. He encouraged
me as always. He wrote, “Enjoy Charity & Children, but Jim, you need
to be writing more stories.” I made his request my first New Years
resolution!
Earl made a difference in my life, in the lives of thousands
of children and in the lives of countless Louisiana Baptists who were touched
by his gracious ministry. I will miss him.
Jim Edminson
Editor, Charity & Children
Baptist Childrens Homes of North Carolina